DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

a long time if the sap stays dry (which is why you need to rinse off whatevergets exposed - yourself, pets, clothing, shoes and laces, tools orcamping stuff.) Never burn these plants since smoke can carry the oil andirritate skin, nose or lungs.The rash is caused by your body’s reaction to this oil and can show up asquickly as a few hours or take several days ... or never, in some cases, sincesome people don’t have reactions to urushiol. It can irritate pets’ skin too.Note: the rash itself is not contagious but the OIL (urushiol) is what istransferred by hands, fingers, clothing or fur!! Make sure you wash yourhands after touching the rash to avoid spreading any urushiol.Things to watch for…Inflamed red rashExtremely itchy skin or burning feelingBlistersSwelling or feverAllergic reactions (weakness, dizziness, swelling inmouth or lips, trouble breathing or swallowing)What to do…• It is CRITICAL to wash affected area with soap and runningwater then apply rubbing alcohol using cotton ballson area to remove any excess oil as quickly as possible.• Immediately and carefully remove and wash any clothingand/or shoes that got exposed to the poison. (Remember towash pets, tools or anything else exposed to oil too.)• If a rash or sores develop, use calamine lotion or bakingsoda paste several times a day on area.• Take an antihistamine to reduce reaction (read label first).• If condition gets worse or spreads onto large areas ofbody, eyes or face, see a doctor.To relieve pain from poison ivy, oak, or sumac:Baking soda - Make a paste using 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water andapply on rash.Jewelweed - Studies indicate a plant that grows near poison ivy calledjewelweed (has tiny, orange-yellow, horn-shaped flowers with reddish orwhite spots) can be used directly on area that brushed against ivy. Crushjuicy stems in your hands and apply to the area - even if there’s no rash yetsince it may help reduce inflammation. [see illustration 3-7 on page 204]202 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325